Trigger on SP101

This is a discussion on Trigger on SP101 within the Ruger Rimfires forums, part of the Pistol & Revolver Forum category; I'd like to buy a .22 revolver if one can be found during Obamascare. Has the trigger on the sp101 been improved by Ruger since ...

I'd like to buy a .22 revolver if one can be found during Obamascare. Has the trigger on the sp101 been improved by Ruger since I trid one at a gun show a year or two ago?

The SP101 .22lr has a stiff hammer spring to set off the rimfire primers.
I have experimented quite abit with mine. I disassembled it, sanded and polished the insides, installed hammer & trigger shims.
This is what I came up with a Wolff spring kit:
10 lb. spring, ok for single action, lots of FTF DA.
11 lb. spring + washer, 5 FTF DA / 50 rounds.
12 lb. works SA & DA, Kinda stiff pull.
Wolff is going to come out with a kit for this gun soon, so they say!
The cheapest price I found for a SP101 .22lr is The Scottsdale Gun Club,
in Scottsdale, AZ. for $499.99!!! They had them in stock last week!
That's a great price! I paid $599 for mine and Cabela's is $629.99.

Is the Smith 617 trigger any better? If so I wonder why Ruger let the sp101 out of the gate with such a bad trigger. Makes you think twice and jsut go for a Mkii or iii.I know a Ruger is of better quality but there was a Taurus Tracker beside the Ruger at the gun show and beleive it or not it had a better trigger pull.

Is the Smith 617 trigger any better? If so I wonder why Ruger let the sp101 out of the gate with such a bad trigger. Makes you think twice and jsut go for a Mkii or iii.I know a Ruger is of better quality but there was a Taurus Tracker beside the Ruger at the gun show and beleive it or not it had a better trigger pull.

There is nothing wrong with the trigger! I installed the 8 lb. trigger spring and
in single action shooting the trigger is light & crisp.
The problem you are talking about is the double action pull that has less hammer travel, about a 1/4 inch, and it takes a harder whack to ignite the
rimfire primer. And you are pulling back the hammer with the trigger, not your thumb!
The Ruger SP101 .22lr is a really sweet gun!
I don't know, but I would think the Smith's built for rimfire will also have a heavy hammer spring.
The Mark II & III is a totally different gun in the way it functions, it's not a revolver.

First, with Ruger, you never know what you will get for a trigger, one box to the next, so, if at all possible, try before you buy. Could save you a lot of work and frustration.

The couple of SP101s I've tried in a gun store, recently, were, if anything, worse than the SP101 22 LR I had (and sold) a couple years, ago, and mine was no winner. Again, assume nothing and try before you buy, if possible. Out of the box, the SA on mine was doable, but the DA was so bad I couldn't get through a loaded cylinder without a struggle. I went the spring route and washers and that helped the DA to the point it was reasonable, but then I had to be very careful about brands of ammo to avoid light strikes and FTFs.

A new 617 I recently tried was better, but not at all up to what my old pre lock, 1990s vintage 617 was. That gun was magnificent. (If you can an older 617, jump on it.) A 617, of course, is a different animal than the SP, size-wize (and price-wise), so not really an apples to apples comparison, here. If you can find any of the older S&W Kit guns, you are into gold, but they won't come cheap, either.

Mark triggers will be more consistent, one box to the next, compared to the SP and all are at least usable. Even better, upgrading the trigger on a Mark is an easy fix and one that won't leave you with any headaches or restrictions.

Lastly, if it's a revolver you want, you might want to consider a Single Six or a Single Ten. Again, these have at least usable triggers, out of the box and, like the Marks, are easy to improve, if needed. Still my favorite Ruger 22s.

I"ve had a dual cylinder ss single six dual cylinder since I was a late teen and like it except for the tedious unloading, that's why I thought I'd like a d/a revolver. I have also had a MKII since 86. Both are good guns and with the stiff triggers on revolvers I've almost talked myself out buying an sp101 or a 617.

The trigger on the 101 is very stiff but it loosens up with practice and becomes much easier to manage. I am a woman who owns one and at first I was quite frustrated. Now, I can shoot for an hour with no problem whatsoever. Just be patient and let yourself be used to the gun. You won't be disappointed!

Cpleasant
Do yu recommend it over a 617. I hear ther are some workable trigger kits coming out for the sp101 and it is cheaper than a 617. On the other hand I have a hlostr that for mu 686 that should git a 61i so $60.00 ther and I would put the hogue grips on a 101 so $20.00 there. I have an old Bianchi 5 holster for a security six 4". Thionk an sp101 wouldfit it?

I've tested a few SP101's and the triggers were stiff when compared to other Ruger double actions like a GP100 or Security Six. I don't understand why Ruger makes the LCR's with such smooth triggers but the SP101's are rough. As for a S&W 617, it depends on what you are wanting the revolver for. SP101's are conceal carry weapons. They are much lighter and smaller. The 617 is a K frame and can really only be carried in a paddle holster or something similar. The 617 also has that lock on the side. This bothers some people. I've tried the trigger on it and it's ok, but nothing like when compared to other K frames like a model 19.